Available from anywhere, on any device, at any time

A message from course co-creator Chad Sarno

I am thrilled to be able to lead Rouxbe's Plant-Based Professional Certification Course. Breaking it down to the basics and starting from the ground up is essential for anyone interested in this approach to cooking. Join me in building a plant-based army of educators and advocates to spread this message to the world – for our health, for real food and for our planet. Who's in?

Chad is without question the greatest plant-based chef alive. He is the Michael Jordan of vegan foods... the best at what he does.

Woody Harrelson

Actor & Activist

Thanks to Rouxbe I am a far more confident, well-rounded plant-based cook and look forward to opportunities to use the skills I have gained in a professional capacity. The entire Rouxbe experience, from instructors to classmates, has been an incredibly rewarding experience that I will certainly recommend to others - thank you, Rouxbe.

Lisa C.

Course graduate

Even though I am a culinary school graduate (Arizona Culinary Institute - 2009), it wasn't until I completed this plant-based online class that I truly ready and well equipped to cook varied, healthy and tasty vegan food. My knowledge has grown tremendously and I am able to experiment with new flavors and foods with confidence.

Sandy L.

Course graduate

With Crazy Sexy Kitchen, I wanted to wow my readers with a treasure trove of recipes for every occasion and for every skill level. Enter my partner in the revolution, Chad. He is a conscious creator, a teacher, and plant-based leader.

Kris Carr

Best-Selling Author & Wellness Warrior

Chad is one of the best chefs in the plant-based world, his work has had great impact on chefs, and the invaluable connection between cuisine and health.

Tal Ronnen

Chef and Best-Selling Author

Recognized by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation as a quality program

Welcome to class.

Common questions

What is Rouxbe?

Rouxbe is an online culinary school that teaches culinary students, culinary professionals and home cooks to increase their skills and confidence in the kitchen. Rouxbe captures a professional culinary curriculum in high-definition video and delivers it via self-paced online classes, making professional culinary instruction more accessible and affordable to both individuals and organizations. Founded in 2005 by professional chefs Joe Girard and Dawn Thomas, Rouxbe has been adopted by professional culinary schools, high schools, food services organizations and cooking enthusiasts around the world.

Once I purchase the course, when does class begin?

Our professional certification courses begin approximately every 45 days. Please the Tuition and Dates tab on this page to view the next start date. You have lifetime access to your course content. If you would like to earn your Certificate of Completion, you have six months from the date class begins to satisfactorily fulfill the course requirements. After, you may purchase additional 30-day extensions for $129.99 each, as many as you wish and at any time.

Do I have access to the course content after the 6 months are over?

Once you purchase the course you have lifetime access to your course content. After you graduate or six months expire (whichever comes first), the only areas locked will be the quizzes, instructor-graded assignments and the Question & Support function. Other than that, you will still have all the lessons, recipes, live events, etc. to review at your leisure. If you need more time to complete the course requirements, we provide a 30-day extension at no charge. After, you may purchase additional 30-day extensions for $129.99 each, as many as you wish and at any time.

What is the length of the program?

If you want to earn your Certificate of Completion, you have six months to satisfactorily fulfill the course requirements. If you need more time to complete the course requirements, we provide a 30-day extension at no charge. After, you may purchase additional 30-day extensions for $129.99 each, as many as you wish and at any time. If you are not interested in earning a certificate, you still have lifetime access to your course content.

How and when do I attend class?

Your course is delivered 100% online and available on-demand 24/7 from any internet enabled device. The program is self-paced, meaning there are no specific dates to begin, to submit assignments or attend class at any particular time. If you are interested in earning your Certificate of Completion, you have six months to satisfactorily fulfill the course requirements. Course extensions beyond six months are available for an additional fee.

What is the passing grade?

A passing grade is 75%, something we are confident can be accomplished, as we will set you up for success in this course. Leave it to us to get you inspired and cooking. We support you the whole way through!

What type of certification do I get?

Upon the successful completion of this course, you will be issued a Certificate of Completion. This program is being used as a training tool around the world in professional kitchens and culinary academies. All Rouxbe Professional Courses are recognized by the ACFEF (American Culinary Federation Education Foundation) as a Quality Program and by WorldChefs as Approved Quality Culinary Training.

Other than a Certificate of Completion, what other recognition do I receive?

Upon the successful completion of this course, you will be issued a Certificate of Completion. You may also download an electronic badge to share with your online profile, social media or on your website.

What cooking equipment is required for the course?

The course equipment list, found here, outlines which items are needed throughout the course. While not all will be used right away it’s important to have them available when the lesson requires.

How many hours per week should I plan on dedicating to the course?

The course material covers approximately 220 hours of learning, which includes various learning activities, practical cooking exercises, written assignments and graded exams. You can do this at your own pace, but it takes regular work and discipline to complete the course. To earn your Certificate of Completion within six months, we recommend you spend 12-15 hours per week learning to complete the course requirements. Best of all, most of this time is spent cooking.

Do I have to pay my tuition all at once or do I have other options?

As a convenience or our students, we have a no-interest payment plan. There are no applications or credit checks. You may pay 6 equal monthly payments for the remaining balance, starting at the time you enroll. Please contact support@rouxbe.com to receive the simple directions.

Does this program qualify me for a job in the food and beverage industry?

We do not claim that this certificate, or a certificate from any school for that matter, will guarantee employment or a particular position. This is because many factors go into an employer's hiring decision. This professional course has been recognized for quality education by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation and by the World Association of Chefs Societies (WorldChefs) as Approved Quality Culinary Training – acknowledging the important role a quality online program like ours provides for culinary education.

What technology is required?

You can access your course 24/7 on any device that is connected to the internet.

Do I need to purchase books or other materials?

The course is delivered 100% online. There are no books or other materials to purchase. Other than the course tuition, you will need to purchase food for practice and graded assignments - estimated at $20 per week - and any equipment you do not have on hand.

Will I be able to interact with other students?

Once you purchase the course, if you have a Facebook account, you may join a permission-only page exclusively for your course (optional). Interact with fellow students, current students and alumni — share tips and tricks, ask questions and celebrate your progress!

Will I have interaction with my instructors?

Rouxbe instructors and support team members combined have over 125 years of professional experience in the foodservice industry and culinary education. To enrich your learning, we encourage you to ask course content questions or share comments at any time. As an important part of your curriculum, you will complete over 30 instructor-graded cooking assignments in which you photograph your dishes and describe your process. With each of these activities, a member of our instructional team will review your work, respond with feedback and provide a grade. You will also be invited to a number of live events on various topics related to your course. If you cannot attend, they will be recorded for later viewing.

How will I be graded?

There are two types of assessments: quizzes and instructor-graded activities. All quizzes are formatted as true/false or multiple choice. To help you study for each quiz we provide electronic flashcards to help you feel confident. You will also complete over 30 instructor-graded cooking assignments in which you photograph your dishes, describe your process and upload into the course. With each of these activities, a member of our instructional team will review your work, respond with feedback and provide a grade.

What is the difference between a professional course and the Rouxbe general membership?

Most all of the video lessons in the professional course are also available in the membership; however, the professional course includes many more assignments and activities and is much more comprehensive and demanding. The professional course also provides professional-level certification. The general membership courses provide Certificates of Completion, but do not require you to prove your skills to our chef-instructors. The difference in value is significant. The professional course is an instructor-guided course that takes you sequentially through the program toward your certificate rather than a collection of individual lessons available to you in the general membership.

Can I really learn how to cook online?

The answer is a resounding yes! Since 2005, Rouxbe's detailed video lessons and chef-instruction interaction provide the same techniques and methods taught in professional culinary schools. And with 24/7 access to your course content, you can learn around your schedule and review anytime you wish. Since you have lifetime access to your course content, you will be able to refresh your learning anytime.

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

You may cancel the course within 14 days of purchase and receive a full refund. After 14 days of your purchase there are no refunds, however, you still have lifetime access to the course content.